Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

What is the allowable lead quantity for drinking water?

1. 5 ppb

2. 10 ppb

3. 15 ppb

4. 20 ppb

The correct answer is: 15 ppb

In determining the allowable lead quantity for drinking water, the correct answer is based on the regulations established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has set the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 parts per billion (ppb). This regulatory limit is designed to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women, who are most at risk from lead exposure. The action level is not a regulatory limit; rather, it triggers certain actions if the lead concentration exceeds this threshold in more than 10% of tap water samples collected from a given water system. These actions can include public education, corrosion control treatment, and lead service line replacement. The aim is to minimize the risks of lead exposure from drinking water, reflecting the health risks associated with lead contamination. While lower concentrations might seem safer or preferable, the definitive benchmark set by the EPA, recognized in numerous guidelines and studies, is 15 ppb. Therefore, this value is crucial for ensuring compliance and public safety in water systems.